The Cultivation of Chondrus crispus. Effect of Temperature on Growth and Carrageenan Production

Abstract
C. crispus, T4, was grown at 3, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30.degree. C in flowing seawater in plastic trays in the greenhouse. N and phosphate were added twice weekly and the pH was maintained between 7.8-8.0 by the controlled addition of CO2. Growth rate was higher at 20.degree. C than at 15.degree. C and lower temperatures or at 25.degree. C and higher temperatures. The thalli and apices were broad at low temperatures and thin to pointed at the higher temperatures. Higher temperatures favored the accumulation of kappa carrageenan, whereas plants grown at 3 and 6.degree. C had a higher N content.